Prolactinoma
(Pituitary Tumor)

Dementia Slideshow Bipolar Disorder Slideshow Brain Foods Slideshow

Medical Author: Robert Ferry Jr., MD
Medical Editor: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

• What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?
• What is the normal function of prolactin?
• What is the pituitary gland?
• Where is the pituitary gland located?
• What problems are caused by a pituitary tumor?
• How common is a prolactinoma?
• What are the types of prolactinomas?
• What causes a prolactinoma?
• What symptoms are caused by a prolactinoma?
• Aside from a prolactinoma, what else can cause prolactin levels to rise?
• How is a prolactinoma diagnosed?
• What follow-up tests are done after a prolactinoma diagnosis?
• What are the goals of treatment of a prolactinoma?
• How is a prolactinoma treated?
• What medications are used to treat prolactinomas?
• What is the surgical treatment of a prolactinoma?
• How do I choose a skilled neurosurgeon?
• Does a prolactinoma affect pregnancy and oral contraceptives?
• Do prolactinomas affect oral contraceptives?
• Is osteoporosis a risk in women with high prolactin levels?
• Prolactinoma At A Glance

What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?

A prolactinoma is a benign tumor (called an adenoma) of the pituitary gland. A prolactinoma produces an excessive amount of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is a natural hormone which supports a woman's normal lactation (breastfeeding). Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor. Symptoms of prolactinoma are caused by pressure of the tumor on surrounding tissues or by excessive release of prolactin from the tumor into the blood (causing a condition known as hyperprolactinemia).

What is the normal function of prolactin?

Prolactin stimulates the breast tissues to enlarge during pregnancy. After delivery of the baby, the mother's prolactin level falls unless she breastfeeds her infant. Each time the baby nurses from the breasts, prolactin levels rise to maintain milk production.

What is the pituitary gland?

Sometimes called the master gland, the pituitary gland plays a critical role in regulating growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. This gland produces prolactin and a number of other key hormones including:

• Growth hormone, which as the name indicates, regulates growth;
  
  
• ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone) which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, especially during stressful events (surgery, etc.)
  
  
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone; and
  
  
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulate ovulation and estrogen and progesterone production in women, and sperm formation and testosterone production in men.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• cabergoline-oral, Dostinex - Consumer information about the medication CABERGOLINE - ORAL (Dostinex), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug CABERGOLINE - ORAL.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Lung Cancer - Get the facts on lung cancer treatment, diagnosis, staging, causes (smoking), types (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell), prevention, symptoms, warning signs and survival rates.

Read more Prolactinoma related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Can Symptoms Predict Ovarian Cancer?
• Blood Test May Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis
• 'Ghostly' Drug May Help Fight RA
• Arthritis Doesn't Slow Typing